TRANSITIONAL PHASE

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Fantastic output from this Subarachnoid Space one-shot side project, featuring guitarists Melynda Jackson and Mason Jones in best tradition and best form. I've listened to this tracks again and again ... and still find them thrilling. Similar in spirit and presentation compared to the Subarachnoid Space masterpiece 'These Things Take Time' which had been recorded the same year. And so, not really surprising, the line-up is nearly matching here, drummer Chris Van Huffle is aboard too. As for some variation, on this jam session they were joined by former member Jason Stein (bass) and Gravitar representative Geoff Walker (guitar).

Simply split up into seven phases of music they offer intriguing free form spaced out material with a total length of 50 minutes. Recorded in 1998 nothing came of it initially and the tapes were misplaced for over eight years. Luckily sometime the session was transferred to a better system and improved as much as possible and finally they've also found a suitable project name TRANSITIONAL PHASE for that. If you might expect a plain, aimless sound I can put your mind at rest. This is a mix of mellow and weird moments - definitely rocking due to a lively rhythm section.

If you like soaring space guitars backed by a repetitive song structure you are right here. All crew members take the time to work in variation by variation with care, which makes this entertaining from the beginning to the end. So I dare to claim here we have a special snapshot of some spiritual experience. As for the ... let's say dramaturgy ... the album features weird (brass) and complex moments embraced by more classic space rock tunes where the last one Phase Seven is a manufactured summary, basically comprising several impressions from the previous tracks.

Featuring a cool gliding flow Phase Two appears as the most emotional sample to me. Wow ... wonderful spooky effects are added ... and I would bet a theremin is in use here too (though not listed). I love this one! Phase Three is typical for their approach to alternate between noisy crescendos and relaxed parts where Phase Six reminds me of Djam Karet in some way. I recommend to assimilate this in one go - they have offered a really gripping show - 4.5 stars!

Have not yet experienced the dark cosmic realms of Subarchanoid Space's discography, but accept this side project album as a feasible way of finding a star map for navigating there. The tropical mayflower on the record cover sets mind open for earthbound promises of vital life-giving energies, as the plant's petals are yet sheltering its nearly ripe seeds. Fifty minutes long musical exploration is divided to seven phases of progression. Emphasis on sound is weighted to guitar-driven approach, atmospherics being conjured from their reverb treatments and visitations of Geoff Walker's winds and voices. The album dives directly to intensive sonic blows, pleasing with their rhythmic groove, which pulses with both unstoppable life force and psychedelic power. Recording's sound quality is slightly rustic, thus fitting well to my vintage-adjusted ears. The collective freeform playing stays well intact, professional musicians both listening and respecting each other with good sense of style. Music's melodic scales and harmonic elevations relate to aural experiences I associate sacred, similarly as some moments granted from My Brother The Wind, Ash Ra Tempel, Øresund Space Collective and Cosmic Circus Music. These seven Transitional Phases oscillate between dynamic amok runs through the jungle and serene meditations at local tribe's shamanist rites, both witnessed by the moon, witnessed by the stars. This kind of open music allows one to let their internal thoughts fly by the buoyancy of musical seraph's wings, and proving that 26th July 1998 was certainly a great day at the flower-haired San Francisco. A very recommendable record for complete through listenings, either on solitary contemplative meditations or long drivings on the nocturnal motorways, both leading past horizon and destinies beyond.